Virgin Atlantic, Emirates Latest To Join TSA PreCheck

Image: PHOTO: A Virgin Atlantic 747. (photo courtesy of Flickr/Aero Pixels)
Image: PHOTO: A Virgin Atlantic 747. (photo courtesy of Flickr/Aero Pixels)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 8:31 PM ET, Sat January 28, 2017

When Spirit Airlines and Canada's Sunwing Airlines joined the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program this week, it turns out it was just the tip of the iceberg.

In fact, the TSA's popular program signed up 11 new airlines including Virgin Atlantic becoming the United Kingdom's first airline to join as well as Emirates.

In addition to Spirit, Sunwing, VA and Emirates, the TSA's PreCheck program will now be available for eligible passengers flying on Aruba Airlines, Avianca, Boutique Airlines, Key Lime Air, Miami Air International, Southern Airways Express, and Xtra Airways.

"Partnering with 11 additional airlines to offer TSA PreCheck will significantly increase our trusted traveler population, and reflects our commitment to implement the most effective aviation security," TSA acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia said in a statement. "By collaborating with our partners in industry and the aviation community, we will continue to increase the number of airlines participating in TSA PreCheck, enabling more eligible travelers across the country to experience expedited screening."

TSA Precheck is an expedited screening program that enables trusted travelers to bypass traditional security checkpoints at more than 180 U.S. airports.

TSAPrecheck travelers are not required to remove shoes, 3-1-1 compliant liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Enrollment is something of a process - applicants must be approved by the TSA after filling out forms and conducting an in-person interview - but the $85 cost is for five years.


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Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

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